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IMC Project Updates

Every children’s home at Iris Malawi plants a field. They prepare the soil, plant the seeds and tend the crops, and then they harvest and eat the produce. This year’s crop was disappointing. While we did receive rain, it was inconsistent and there were long dry spells in-between. There was also a pest which ate the maize leaves, leaving the cobs vulnerable. Still, there was a harvest.

We have over 80 resident children at the Mieze and Noviane Children’s Centres. The two centres operate under one government license and are known collectively as "The Village of Love." There is only one other children's centre in the entire province which has met the strict government requirements for licensing.

As we regularly report, our major on-going food programs in northern Mozambique include regular food distribution to over 150 poor families (including about a thousand children); powdered milk distribution to over 60 mothers and babies; complete food and care for over 80 resident children in Mieze and Noviane; support for another 55 village children through the sponsorship program; and weekly feeding of 600 village children following the Saturday discipleship program. All of this is funded through your gifts to Iris Ministries Canada.

We would like to celebrate Gods goodness as we begin this year. In the mist of the difficulties and struggles our country and its people are facing, we quote Romans 8:28 as we share this testimony, recognizing that “All things work together for good for those who love God and walk according to His purposes.”

Salismina is still loving her new house. During the hot summer months she greatly enjoys the large tree outside in her garden that gives her mangos and shade to sit under. She loves to meet visitors from all over the world and have them pray with her. Pictured here is a visitor praying with Salismina, underneath her favorite tree.

Reintegration continues to be an important initiative at the Zimpeto centre. The ability to remove vulnerable children from neglect, abandonment, abuse and food scarcity is one part of the story. The ability to empower the family for their return is equally as important.

We are very pleased with the way the sewing program and the carpentry program are running.

Emilio and the boys are doing well. It is great to see the boys able to earn money and learn a trade at the same time. Emilio has become an excellent carpenter. We made a baby crib for the young woman in the picture.

Many friends have been asking about the food crisis in our small part of the world. Thank you for your concern. Please continue to uphold us as we seek to walk in love for the poor, who will always be with us, and pursue sustainability for those who are ready and willing.

Most of those reading this report have never had to go to bed hungry or wonder where their next meal will come from. But that's the daily reality for the majority of poor village children in Mieze. The government claims to have won the war against poverty; but the truth is very different for the rural poor throughout Mozambique. The majority of village children continue to suffer the ravages of extreme poverty; and a large part of our ministry in Mieze and rural Pemba is helping meet these most basic human needs in Jesus' name.